The notary appointment when buying property: process, costs and key tips
What happens at the notary, which deadlines apply and how to prepare.
For many people, buying a property is one of the biggest decisions of their lives. That makes it all the more important to know exactly what happens at the notary appointment and what buyers and sellers should look out for.In Germany, a property purchase must be notarised. This means a notary drafts the purchase contract, explains its content and makes sure the agreements are recorded correctly in legal terms.
But don't worry: you don't have to organise everything yourself. We guide you through the entire process and support you with the preparation – from the first contract discussions to the key handover.
## 1. Preparation: what happens before the notary appointment?
Before the purchase contract can be signed, buyer and seller must agree on the most important points.
These include, for example:
- The agreed purchase price
- The exact description of the property
- The date of handover
- Agreements on items sold with the property, such as a fitted kitchen
- Special arrangements between buyer and seller
The required details and documents for the purchase contract are then compiled.
From these, the notary prepares a draft contract. Buyer and seller should read it carefully and clarify any open questions before the appointment.
**If anything is unclear, ask before you sign.**
## 2. The notary appointment: how does the notarisation work?
On the agreed date, buyer and seller meet at the notary's office. In certain cases, representation is also possible.
The notary reads out the entire purchase contract and explains its legal content. You can ask questions at any time and have individual provisions explained in more detail.
Particularly important are:
- The agreed purchase price and the terms of payment
- The point from which the property passes economically to the buyer
- The conditions for payment of the purchase price
- The arrangements for the handover
- The rights and obligations of both parties
Once all questions have been answered and both sides agree with the contract, the purchase contract is signed.
**Once notarised, the purchase contract is generally binding.** You should therefore only sign if you have understood the content and agree with the arrangements.
## 3. What happens after signing?
Many buyers think they have to transfer the purchase price immediately after the notary appointment. This is not usually the case.
After the notarisation, the notary takes care of the further legal steps.
### Step 1: Registration of the priority notice of conveyance (Auflassungsvormerkung)
As a rule, the notary arranges for a so-called priority notice of conveyance (Auflassungsvormerkung) to be entered in the land register (Grundbuch).
Simply put: this notice secures the buyer's claim to the later transfer of ownership. It protects the buyer against the seller validly selling the property to someone else in the meantime.
### Step 2: Checking the conditions for payment of the purchase price
The notary checks whether the contractually agreed conditions for payment have been met.
These may include, for example, required approvals, the clarification of certain land register entries and the registration of the priority notice.
Once the necessary conditions are met, the buyer usually receives a written notice, the so-called notice of maturity (Fälligkeitsmitteilung).
**The buyer should only transfer the purchase price once payment is due under the contract and this notice has been received.**
### Step 3: Payment of the purchase price
The buyer transfers the agreed purchase price within the period set out in the contract.
If the property is financed, the lending bank coordinates the payout of the loan with the buyer and, where applicable, the notary.
That is why it is important to prepare the financing in good time and to have all required documents complete.
### Step 4: Payment of real estate transfer tax
After the purchase, the buyer usually receives a real estate transfer tax (Grunderwerbsteuer) assessment from the responsible tax office.
The tax must be paid on time. The tax office then normally issues the so-called clearance certificate (Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung), which is required for the transfer of ownership.
### Step 5: Transfer of ownership in the land register
As soon as the legal requirements are met, the notary arranges for the buyer to be finally registered as the new owner in the land register.
This completes the change of ownership in the land register as well.
**Good to know:** the key handover may be scheduled earlier in the contract. It does not necessarily have to take place only after the final transfer of ownership.
## 4. The key handover: the final step
When the conditions for handover agreed in the purchase contract are met, the property is handed over to the buyer.
At the handover, buyer and seller should document the condition of the property together.
This includes, for example:
- Handing over all keys
- Reading the electricity, water and, where applicable, gas meters
- Documenting the condition of the property
- Handing over existing documents, such as operating instructions and maintenance records
A written handover report is recommended. This allows both sides to trace the condition in which the property was handed over.
**Done: the purchase contract turns into moving into your own home.**
## 5. What costs arise for the notary appointment?
In addition to the purchase price, a property purchase involves further costs. These include in particular:
- **Notary fees:** for notarising the purchase contract and further notarial work
- **Land register fees:** for example for the priority notice and the later transfer of ownership
- **Real estate transfer tax:** the amount depends on the federal state
- **Financing costs, if applicable:** for example for registering a land charge (Grundschuld)
Notary and land register fees are generally based on the statutory fee regulations. Their exact amount depends, among other things, on the purchase price and the work required.
Plan for these additional costs early so that your financing rests on a realistic basis.
## 6. Frequently asked questions about the notary appointment
### How long does a notary appointment take?
A standard property purchase contract is often notarised within about 45 to 90 minutes. The actual duration depends on the scope of the contract and the open questions.
### Do buyer and seller have to attend in person?
In principle, both parties must attend in person. Under certain conditions, representation is also possible. Whether a notarised power of attorney or subsequent approval is required should be clarified with the notary in advance.
### When does the purchase price have to be paid?
The purchase price is normally only due once the contractual conditions are met and the buyer has received the corresponding notice from the notary. The provisions of the respective purchase contract are decisive.
### When do I get the keys?
The date is agreed in the purchase contract. The handover often takes place after full payment of the purchase price. However, the specific contractual agreements are decisive.
### Can I simply withdraw from the purchase contract after signing?
As a rule, a notarised property purchase contract is binding. Withdrawal is not easily possible. It may be considered, for example, if there is a corresponding contractual or legal basis. If in doubt, seek legal advice.
## 7. Safely through the entire purchase process with Woide Immobilien
Buying a property involves more than a signature at the notary's office. From preparing the purchase contract to the final handover, numerous steps have to be coordinated.
We are personally at your side throughout.
We help you compile the required documents, coordinate between all parties involved and accompany you through the individual steps of the purchase process.
Our aim is to explain the process clearly, resolve open questions early and make sure everyone involved is well prepared.
**Woide Immobilien – personal support, clear explanations and reliably at your side.**
Whether you want to buy or sell a property: we accompany you from the first consultation to the key handover.